Post hole support

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for supporting a post. In accordance with some embodiments, a subterranean support structure has a tube extension adapted for placement within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole. The tube extension has opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole. A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end of the tube extension. The support flange supports a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application makes a claim of domestic priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/652,034 filed May 25, 2012, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

It is common to anchor vertically extending support structures, such asfence posts, sign posts, mailbox pedestals, lamp posts, etc., into theground. A wooden stockade fence may be constructed, for example, byinstalling a series of spaced apart wooden or metal fence posts intoholes dug along the intended fence line. The posts may be secured in theholes using a suitable anchoring material, such as concrete, gravel,dirt and/or sand. A fence panel can thereafter be attached between eachadjacent pair of the posts to complete the fence.

While operable, existing securement techniques often make it difficultto remove and replace an existing post using the same hole, particularlywhen concrete is used to secure the existing post.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toan apparatus and method for supporting a post.

In accordance with some embodiments, a subterranean support structurecomprises a tube extension adapted for placement within a hole toreceivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post thatextends above the hole. The tube extension has opposing first and secondends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation ofthe hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottomelevation of the hole. A support flange circumferentially extends fromthe tube extension a selected distance from the second end of the tubeextension. The support flange supports a column of anchoring materialplaced in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of thehole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric depiction of a support structure in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an elevational representation of the support structure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom end view of the support structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the support structure in an installed configurationto support a vertically extending post.

FIG. 5 shows the use of a rectilinear support structure supporting acircular post in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows the use of a rectilinear support structure to support acircular post with the aid of one or more inserts in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an isometric depiction of another support structure inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an elevational representation of the support structure of FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom end view of another support structure in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cap cover that can be used with the varioussupport structures disclosed herein.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toan apparatus and method for removably anchoring a vertically extendingpost, such as but not limited to a fence post, to the ground.

As explained in greater detail below, a subterranean support structurecomprises a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal end ofa post. The tube extension is adapted for placement into a hole, so thata distal end of the post vertically extends above the hole.

The tube extension has opposing first and second ends. The first end isadapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole, and thesecond end is adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of thehole.

A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension aselected distance from the second end of the tube extension. The supportflange is adapted to support a column of anchoring material that isplaced into the hole. This forms a drainage zone under the flange at thebottom of the hole.

In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism may be used to secure thepost within the tube extension, such as one or more laterally extendingthreaded fasteners that pass through a sidewall of the tube extensionand into/adjacent the post. In this way, an existing post can be removedfrom the tube extension by releasing the fastening mechanism, and a newreplacement post can be installed.

In further embodiments, the post can be removed from the subterraneansupport structure and a cap cover can be placed onto the exposed end ofthe subterranean support structure to substantially fill the holeopening occupied by the support structure.

FIGS. 1-2 show a support structure 100 in accordance with someembodiments. Other configurations can readily be used, so the variousfeatures in FIGS. 1-2 are merely exemplary and not limiting. The supportstructure 100 comprises an elongated tube extension 102, a disc-shapedupper flange 104, a disc-shaped lower flange 106, and a plurality oftrapezoidal-shaped support flanges 108. The structure 100 is formed of asuitable rigid material, such as metal, plastic, etc. In someembodiments, the various elements are formed of sheet metal which issubjected to suitable processing, such as cutting, bending, folding,welding, etc. to form the finished product. The structure may be formedin several pieces which are then brought together to provide the finalstructure.

The tube extension is shown to have a rectilinear (square)cross-sectional shape, and is sized to receive a standard (nominally 4inches×4 inches) wooden fence post. Other cross-sectional sizes andshapes can be used. For example, the tube can have a circularcross-sectional shape to accommodate a cylindrically shaped metal fencepost (or other post member). As discussed below, an insert can be usedto enable a tube extension with a first cross-sectional shape (e.g.,rectilinear) to accommodate a post with a different, secondcross-sectional shape (e.g., circular).

It is contemplated, albeit not necessarily required, that the respectivesizes of the post and the tube extension will be selected such that thepost will fit within the tube extension with a relatively small gaptherebetween. Apertures 110 can be provided in the tube extension 102 tofacilitate the insertion of fasteners (not separately shown) to securethe post within the tube extension.

The upper and lower flanges 104, 106 are shown to respectively extendfrom the tube extension 102 adjacent respective first and second ends112, 114 of the tube extension. The upper flange 104 is a first distanceD1 from the first end 112, and the lower flange 106 is a second distanceD2 from the second end 114.

The respective sizes, shapes and circumferential extension distances ofthe flanges 104, 106 can vary. In an alternative embodiment to thatshown in FIGS. 1-2, the upper flange 104 can be made to be the same sizeas the lower flange 106. In another embodiment, the upper flange islarger than the lower flange; in still another embodiment, the upperflange is omitted entirely; in yet another embodiment, the upper and/orlower flange has one or more openings, gaps, channels or otherdiscontinuities so that the associated flange circumferentially extendsabout the outermost perimeter of the tube extension less than a full 360degrees thereabout.

The vertical flanges 108 serve to stabilize the upper and lower flanges104, 106. Other configurations are envisioned, including separatestabilization flanges for the upper and lower flanges 104, 106, as wellas configurations that do not provide stabilization flanges therefor.

As shown in FIG. 3, folded over flaps 116 can be provided in the secondend 114 of the tube extension 102 to form a drainage gap 118therebetween to facilitate drainage of water or other liquids that passdown through the tube extension. Other configurations can be used,however, including a fully closed or fully open lower second end 114.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates the support structure 100 in an installedconfiguration. A post 120, characterized as a 4″×4″ wooden fence post,is supported by the structure 100. The fence post 120 supports a numberof stockade fence panels, one shown in broken line fashion at 121.

To install the subterranean support structure 100, a suitable hole 122is dug into the earth having depth and width dimensions sufficient toenable the structure 100 to fit within the hole. As desired, a lowerfiller material 124, such as gravel or other aggregate, can be depositedin a lowest portion of the hole.

The structure 100 is centered in the hole 122, and a column of anchoringmaterial 126, such as concrete, is introduced into the hole so as tofill the space between the side of the hole and the tube extension 102.The material 126 is supported on the lower flange 106, forming adrainage gap or zone 128 below the lower flange. While it iscontemplated that the anchoring material will substantially fill theentire volume within the hole between the upper and lower flanges 104,106, other amounts of anchoring material can be used, including anamount that only partially fills this available volume. It iscontemplated that the anchor material will fully contact the lowerflange 106 and the outer surface of the tube extension 102, and will besubstantially impeded from flowing below the lower flange 106.

Once the concrete is cured, the post 120 may be slidingly placed intothe tube extension 102 and one or more fasteners 130 can be used tosecure the post to the tube extension. It will be appreciated that, asdesired, the post can be placed into the tube extension prior to theaddition of the anchoring material 126, although such is not required.An advantage of the removeable aspects of the exemplary supportstructure 100 is that the post need not necessarily be installed whilethe concrete is being cured, eliminating the need to support the postand ensure it stays “straight” until the concrete is hardened.

Replacement of the post 120 can be easily performed by removing thefasteners 130, pulling the post out of the tube extension 102, insertinga new replacement post, and reinstalling the fasteners. In this way, aworn, rotted and/or broken fence post can be easily and quicklyreplaced, and the replacement post will be in the same location andorientation as the previously installed post. This can be beneficial,for example, in reattaching an existing fence panel to the newreplacement post, etc.

Installation of a new post with a different size or shape, such as postsfor a taller fence or replacement of wooden posts with metal posts, canalso be quickly and easily performed. FIG. 5 generally illustratesinsertion of a circular post 132 into the tube extension 102 of FIG. 4.It will be noted that the circular post 132 has a diameter thatnominally matches the inner length/width dimensions of the tubeextension, so that even though the shapes are different, the postremains snugly supported therein.

FIG. 6 shows another circular post 134 inserted into the tube extension102 of FIG. 4. The circular post 134 has a smaller diameter than thelength/width dimensions of the tube extension. However, the fasteningmechanisms (e.g., fasteners 130 in FIG. 4) can be used to secure thepost in a centered relation within the tube extension 102. Moreover, insome embodiments one or more suitably shaped inserts 136 can be placedbetween the post 136 and the inner sidewalls of the tube extension 102to further secure and maintain the post 136 in a centered relation.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment for the subterranean support structure,denoted as 100A. The structure 100A is similar to the structure 100 andlike reference numerals are used for similar components. It can be seenthat the structure 100A does not use the upper flange 104, and shortfin-type flanges 108A are provided to attach the lower flange 106 to thetube extension 102. In other embodiments, no flanges 108, 108A areprovided. FIG. 8 provides an elevational view of the support structure100A. FIG. 9 is an end view of another support structure 100B having acylindrical tube extension 102A.

FIG. 10 illustrates the subterranean support structure 100 of FIGS. 1-4with a cover member 140 that engages the upper end of the tube extension102 after removal of the post 120. The cover member 140 substantiallyfills the opening of the hole 122 and provides a substantially flushsupport surface to eliminate the hole as a potential trip hazard. Thecover can be colored green to match and blend in with a bed of grass 142on a surrounding ground surface 144.

In this way, rows of spaced apart support structures 100 can beinstalled to allow the erection of temporary fences and otherstructures. For example, a baseball park may have different locationsfor the outfield fence depending on different ages of players, etc. Aparticular outfield fence can be installed using different sets of thestructures 100 as required, and the covers 140 can be installed on thenon-utilized structures 100 to allow use of the playing surface in thearea adjacent the non-utilized structures.

While various embodiments discussed above have been directed to asupport structure for a fence post, such is merely illustrative and notlimiting. Other uses are contemplated including traffic signs (e.g.,stop signs, street signs, etc.), advertising signs, barriers, mailboxpedestals, lampposts, etc. Moreover, while concrete has been identifiedas a particularly suitable anchoring material, other materials can beused including but not limited to aggregate (e.g., gravel), sand ordirt.

The subterranean support structures can be formed of any suitablelength, including several feet in northern climates where the freezeline can be several feet deep. The surfaces of the support structurescan be treated with powder coating, paint or other anti-corrosionmaterials. While some embodiments contemplate the use of a supportstructure for every fence post in a fence, such is not necessarilyrequired; in other embodiments, every Xth fence post (e.g., 3^(rd),4^(th), etc.) is provided with a support structure and conventionalanchoring mechanisms are used for the remaining fence posts. This canprovide superior wind resistance, strength and other benefits. Also,special locations such as gates, corners, etc. can be reinforced usingthe subterranean support structures disclosed herein.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure have beenset forth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments, this detailed descriptionis illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially inmatters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles ofthe present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad generalmeaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus comprising: a tube extension adaptedfor placement within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of avertically extending post that extends above the hole, the tubeextension having opposing first and second ends, the first end adaptedfor placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second endadapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole; and asupport flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension aselected distance from the second end thereof, the support flangeadapted to support a column of anchoring material placed in the holebetween the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, in which the anchoring material is a column of concrete. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper flange whichcircumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distancefrom the first end, wherein the anchoring material is filled in a volumespace within the hole between the upper and lower flanges.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one stabilizing flangewhich extends along a length of the tube extension to contactinglysupport at least a selected one of the respective upper or lower flangesrelative to the tube extension.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which anopening is formed in the second end of the tube extension, and adrainage zone is formed in the hole below the lower flange to facilitateaccumulation of liquid passing down through the tube extension andthrough said opening.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tubeextension has a rectilinear cross-sectional shape.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, in which the tube extension has a circular cross-sectionalshape.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tube extension has afirst cross-sectional shape, the post has a different, secondcross-sectional shape, and the apparatus further comprises an insertadapted to contactingly fit in a gap between the tube extension and thepost responsive to insertion of the post into the tube extension.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover member adapted toengage the tube extension and substantially fill an opening of the holein an absence of the post, the cover member having a top surfacesubstantially even with a surrounding ground surface.
 10. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a post having a first end inserted intothe tube extension and secured thereto using at least one fastener, thepost having an opposing second end which extends in a substantiallyvertical direction above the first end.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the post is a fence post and a fence panel is attached to thefence post.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a subterranean supportstructure placed in a hole in the ground, the support structurecomprising: a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal endof a vertically extending post that extends above the hole, the tubeextension having opposing first and second ends, the first end adaptedfor placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second endadapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole; and asupport flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension aselected distance from the second end thereof; and a column of anchoringmaterial placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall ofthe hole, the column of anchoring material supported by the supportflange.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the column of anchoringmaterial comprises a column of concrete, and wherein a drainage zone isformed within the hole below the support flange to accommodate a flow ofwater passing along the length of the the tube extension.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising a post inserted into the tubeextension, the post extending above the hole.
 15. The apparatus of claim12, further comprising a cap member inserted into the tube extension tosubstantially cover the hole, the cap member substantially flush withthe surrounding ground.
 16. A method comprising: digging a hole; placinga subterranean support structure within the hole, the support structurecomprising: a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal endof a vertically extending post that extends above the hole, the tubeextension having opposing first and second ends, the first end adaptedfor placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second endadapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole; and asupport flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension aselected distance from the second end thereof; inserting a column ofanchoring material in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewallof the hole, the column of anchoring material supported on the supportflange; and inserting a post into the tube extension.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the support structure further comprises an upperflange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension aselected distance from the first end, wherein the anchoring material isfilled in a volume space within the hole between the upper and lowerflanges.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the support structurefurther comprises at least one stabilizing flange which extends along alength of the tube extension to contactingly support at least a selectedone of the respective upper or lower flanges relative to the tubeextension.
 19. The method of claim 16, in which an opening is formed inthe second end of the tube extension, and a drainage zone is formed inthe hole below the lower flange to facilitate accumulation of liquidpassing down through the tube extension and through said opening. 20.The method of claim 16, further comprising removing the post andinstalling a cover member which engages the tube extension andsubstantially fills an opening of the hole in an absence of the post,the cover member having a top surface substantially even with asurrounding ground surface.